Saul Stanley, 18, is also in the dock, and is alleged to have committed a number of connected firearms offences.

He too denies the allegations.

This morning (January 19), Jamal Samuels, also known as Jamal Ehrenburg, appeared in court to give evidence.

Mr Samuels, a friend of Mr Pordage, was present at the shooting and spoke to officers at the scene shortly afterwards.

As he gave evidence, he was allowed to remain seated and was hidden from view by a number of protective screens.

Jamal Samuels (left) and John Pordage (right) were friends

During questioning by prosecutor Tracy Ayling QC, Mr Samuels revealed in the early hours of August 5, he had met Mr Pordage in the Missoula bar in Chelmsford before the pair decided to leave to buy cigarettes.

After pulling onto at the petrol station forecourt, the men sat talking in Mr Pordage's white Peugeot van before a blue Ford Fiesta parked at the next pump.

Earlier in the case, it was claimed that comments were made by one of the men who said the driver of the Ford had a "nice bum".

Mr Samuels denied making such a comment, admitting that he did speak to the two girls initially when they arrived but only to say, “Hello, how are you?”.

"At that point did you see anyone else in the car?" asked Ms Ayling.

A prison van headed for Chelmsford Crown Court

"Yeah someone popped their head from the back seat." Mr Samuels replied.

"Did the angry face say anything to you?" asked Ms Ayling.

"Like a “What?” remark." Mr Samuels replied.

The witness claimed he turned his head back and "tried to ignore" the "angry man's" face.